Cheapest Neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Berkeley are Southside, South Berkeley, and Downtown Berkeley. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Berkeley, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of June 19, 2026, the average rent in Berkeley is $2,307, which is 3.2% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Southside
Average Rent
$1,542/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.4%
Units Available
16 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Southside might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,542, while the city’s average stands at $2,307. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.4%. Southside is near San Francisco International, Berkeley City College, and North Berkeley.
South Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,461/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.4%
Units Available
188 Rentals
South Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in South Berkeley is $2,461 while the city average is $2,307. This is a 3.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology, Rockridge, and San Francisco International.
Downtown Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,864/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4%
Units Available
201 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Berkeley. The average rent is $2,864, compared to the city average of $2,307. Rent prices have increased by 4%. Downtown Berkeley is convenient to Ashby Station, Rockridge, and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology.
North Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,879/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
Units Available
91 Rentals
North Berkeley is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,879. Compare this to the city average of $2,307. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.3%. North Berkeley provides easy access to El Cerrito Plaza Station, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, and Metro Oakland International.
Southwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,952/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.8%
Units Available
36 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Southwest Berkeley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,952, while the city’s average stands at $2,307. In the last year, prices have increased by 4.8%. Southwest Berkeley is near Samuel Merritt University, 2551-2555 San Pablo Ave, and UC Berkeley.
Aquatic Park
Average Rent
$3,031/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
Units Available
10 Rentals
Aquatic Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Aquatic Park is $3,031 while the city average is $2,307. This is a 0.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to 2551-2555 San Pablo Ave, San Francisco Bay Trail (at Emeryville), and Shorebird Nature Center.
Northwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$3,192/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.3%
Units Available
40 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Northwest Berkeley. The average rent is $3,192, compared to the city average of $2,307. Rent prices have increased by 7.3%. Northwest Berkeley is convenient to Fourth Street Berkeley, Eddy Arboretum, and Samuel Merritt University.
Elmwood
Average Rent
$8,674/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
Units Available
40 Rentals
Elmwood is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $8,674. Compare this to the city average of $2,307. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.2%. Elmwood provides easy access to Berkeley City College, UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology, and University and Jepson Herbaria.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.